Matariki New Year is the perfect time of year for a bit of stargazing. And who better to accompany you under the Matariki star cluster than your loved ones, which of course includes your curious cat or daring dog. (Or both).
1 January is a popular date around the world for celebrating New Year. But it’s certainly not the only one; rather it’s one of many. For Kiwi people and pets, this is a special time of the year because the Matariki cluster of stars is overhead. It’s a time to reflect on the past 12 months and celebrate the 12 months ahead.
We’re dedicating this article to pet lovers looking for fun ways to celebrate Matariki with furry family. We’ve put together a stellar list of options to suit going out or staying in.
In this article
What is Matariki?
In New Zealand, Matariki is the celebration of Māori New Year according to the arrival of the Matariki star cluster. Nine stars make up the cluster and they’re visibly larger than those around them. Matariki is the star at the centre of the cluster.
Matariki star cluster
Much of the world knows the Matariki star cluster as the Pleiades. ‘Matariki’ is twofold, meaning ‘eyes of god’ and/or ‘little eyes’. Although the cluster is known to comprise of nine stars, it contains many hundreds more, most of which aren’t visible without a telescope.
Each star in the Matariki star cluster represents an aspect of our world, whether social or environmental. For example, one star represents fresh water while another represents the ocean. There’s also a star representing human wellbeing.
But since we’re talking about stars, and stars are so much cooler to talk about when you can actually see them, let’s take a sneak peek. Here’s what the Matariki star cluster looks like, and what each star in the cluster is called:
When is Matariki in 2026?
Like many ancient New Year celebrations, Matariki New Year follows the movement of planets, moon and stars. This means the date isn’t fixed. (Similar to Chinese New Year which also follows a lunar calendar).
The Matariki star cluster rises in mid-winter so the New Year celebration will always be around this time. This year’s Matariki lunar period runs from 8-11 July, with our public holiday falling on 10 July.
Although the Matariki public holiday shifts every year, it’s always going to be on a Friday. That means long weekends with friends and family of the people and furry kind!
With that in mind, here are some great ways to share this special moment with your pets.
Celebrate the present and the environment
New Zealand is such a special place because of its raw beauty. That’s of course why it’s the favourite hotspot for filming epics like Lord of the Rings.
For those of us who call it home, having Matariki New Year is a time to appreciate the natural beauty around us. What better way than a day trip with our cats and dogs?
Here are some great options to satisfy you and your four-legged friends:
- Beaches. Take a trip to one of NZ’s dog friendly beaches
- Luxury getaway. See our swish selection of luxury pet holiday destinations for Matariki
- Road trip. Read tips for travelling with pets plus our guide to road tripping with your pet
Remember the past and prepare for the future
The symbolic meaning of New Year is of course new beginnings. Every new beginning is also a chance to remember all that’s come before and be grateful for these moments passed.
For many pet owners across New Zealand, it also means remembering pets we’ve loved and lost. Cats and dogs who’ll forever leave their mark on our hearts and who’ve changed our lives for the better.
For expecting and first time pet owners, celebrating Matariki may involve planning for their future. Or it could be all about buying a new kitten or adopting a dog. For existing pet owners it could mean giving your pets a new gift.
Here are some great gift ideas for cats and dogs:
- In our selection of dog jackets, beds and other winter warmers
- In our selection of cat beds and other favourite winter buys for your shopping list
FAQ
Yes. Matariki is an official public holiday in New Zealand, first observed as a public holiday in 2022. It is celebrated annually on a Friday between late June and mid-July.
Yes, most shops can choose to open on Matariki. Some businesses may operate reduced hours, so it’s worth checking with individual stores.
Matariki is commonly known as a cluster of 9 stars visible in New Zealand’s winter sky, although historically people often referred to 7 stars because only seven are easily seen with the naked eye.
Pet insurance by pet people
While gazing out at the Matariki star cluster one striking thought is how precious life is. The lives of those people and animals we share our hearts and homes with.
PD Insurance covers accidents, non-routine vet visits, medication and more. Choosing a plan is all up to your budget, and you can always consult our Policy Wording and Certificate of Insurance (‘COI’) to check what’s covered or not.
Giving your pet their best life while reducing the financial stress around it is worth celebrating. Plus, you can get 1 month free when you sign up.